Interview with Friends of Orange County's Homeless Pets
President, Cindy Dobbins
Q: What made you decide to get into rescue?
Q: How many dogs and cats has FOCHP saved and where do they come from?
Q: What can someone do that wants to help FOCHP?
Q: What is your favorite dog breed besides rescue?
Q: Where do you hold your adoptions and schedule?
Q: What made you decide to get into rescue?
A: In
February 2007 I traded in my career as a Corporate Accounting Manager with 30
employees for a career in Real Estate. When you first start out in Real Estate
you have a lot of time on your hands so I volunteered at the local animal
shelter. This is where I met Lisa and the ladies who started FOCHP. We
originally began partnering with the Orange County Animal Care Center. Our goal was to raise money for the facility
to keep the homeless pets more comfortable and more adoptable. We quickly realized we could save more pets
and keep them more comfortable/less stressed if they were away from the shelter
environment.
Q: When was FOCHP founded and by whom?
A: FOCHP
was given nonprofit status in 2007 by a group of very kind loving, animal
friendly ladies all working towards the same goal of “no more homeless pets”.
A: Since
FOCHP began we have rescued close to 6000 dogs and cats, we have even recued
Turtles and Bunnies. Most of our pets
come from high kill shelters in the Riverside area. There are occasions when we take in owner
surrender dogs and a few strays.
A: Our
biggest need is foster homes, we can rescue more dogs and cats if we have
foster homes. If foster homes are not
available we do have the option of putting them in boarding but there is a cost
to boarding dogs. We can always use help
with collection of blankets, towels, food, dog beds and other supplies,
anything helps a lot. Helping raise
awareness about spays and neuter would certainly help reduce the pet
overpopulation. Statistics show
that for every one human born, four dogs and four cats are born. As long as
these birth rates exist, there will never be enough homes for all the animals,
and pets will be euthanized every day throughout the world. Many people are surprised to learn that nationwide more than 3
million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters.
A: My
favorite dog breed has always been Cocker Spaniel, my little Champ is what got
me into rescue in the first place. I had
so much love for this little boy that I had to share it with the other homeless
pets. Champ was rescued from a family who
purchased him at a pet store as a “purebred” – I can tell you he is not a
purebred, he was clearly from a puppy mill. They said their son was allergic
and they could no longer keep him but I knew the minute I met him the truth
was, he had, and still has way to much energy.
Champ is now 11 years old and still the love of my life.
A: FOCHP has partnered with Ptco/Petsmart for the past 6 years, holding weekend adoptions at 3 stores in the Orange County area. Petco in Mission Viejo and Tustin and Petsmart in Tustin. Detailed information about our adoption events and available dogs can be found on our website www.fochp.org
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